Buttons

Have you ever wondered why are the buttons on mens' shirts are on the opposite side to those on ladies' garments?



Men have been using button on vests, coats, jackets and shirts since the 13th century. Women didn’t start using buttons until the late 18th to early 19th century. At that time, buttons were very costly; only Royalty and the very wealthy could afford such a fashion novelty.

Most people are right handed. Men have always dressed themselves, so the buttons have always been on the right. The Royalty and Aristocracy had maids to help dress the Ladies, so the buttons were on the left, so that the person doing up the buttons, facing the lady, had them on the right.